These two books are designed to help readers learn to meet their family's haircut needs. The first is a comb-bound book of 120 pages; the pages measure 5½ x 8½ inches (6 inches when including the comb binding). The pages are black text on white with grayscale illustrations. Both books have laminated cardstock front and back covers with color graphics. The 76-page Master
the Art of Cutting Bangs into the Hair is 4¼ x 5½ inches in size, with 76 pages. Both books include plenty of helpful diagrams as well as precision photographs.

The Four Most Common Haircuts has eight chapters covering such things as the basic tools needed, the definition of the hairline, cutting hair all the same length, cutting short layers, and using clippers. Master
the Art of Cutting Bangs includes nine chapters covering tools, secrets, front hairline and cowlicks, technique, cutting various styles (blunt, tapered, and sliced), and how to trim bangs on a male. Tips are consistently provided and are written in an understandable fashion. No additional material is included, although it is suggested that you purchase cutting capes. Advice on choosing and caring for scissors is provided.

As how-to books, both are helpful and easy to understand, and tasks are fairly well presented with diagrams and photos. Unfortunately, we found some misspelled words, and page 11 of Master
the Art of Cutting Bangs seems unfinished when referencing where to purchase a cape to cover the person receiving the haircut. (Information for purchasing child-sized cutting capes is available on the company website.) We would suggest that the reader go through the entire book before ever attempting to cut hair. Note that there is a disclaimer included at the start, reminding readers that cosmetology is a trade. As such, state licenses are required for those practicing as a business. After using both books, I would say they are best used together if you have several children and desire flexibility in haircuts for the family.

At $18 and $12 respectively, the books seemed to be priced a little high, especially considering the comb-bound format. But the information within the pages is considerable and helpful. Families with several children could certainly justify the cost. The training has allowed our family to save money on maintenance haircuts. I must admit, I felt good knowing that I had saved some money for our family--and my boys still looked good!